Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Ms. Loralea Wark is a passionate Social Studies teacher in Yellowknife who goes above and beyond her teaching duties. In 2007, Ms. Wark took a group of 46 students to Vimy Ridge, where they participated in the commemoration of the 90th anniversary of the Battle and the rededication of the Vimy Monument. She then led another group of 35 students to the Canadian battlefields in France and Belgium in March 2009. Since returning from that trip, Ms. Wark was also involved in planning a third trip for 38 students in May 2010 for the 65th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands. Students wishing to participate on these trips must successfully complete a course in Canadian war history, which Ms. Wark created and teaches. Ms. Wark ensures that students are assigned to research a Canadian buried at a cemetery they will be visiting. Upon their return to Canada, the students are given an opportunity to reflect on their soldier and share the information and research with their peers. Through Ms. Wark's dedication and commitment, her students have a deeper appreciation of the outstanding contribution of those Canadians who have served in the past and those still in service.